26 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks in the world; it’s beauty will captivate you from day one. It will be challenging yet manageable for the average person. If you consider yourself of average fitness then training for Annapurna Circuit success is not necessary.

Trekking in the Himalayan mountains is usually a once in a lifetime experience. However, planning your trip is an overwhelming experience.

We completed the trek in 2014 and compiled 26 tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit. If you’ve completed the AC already, please add your advice in the comments below.

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Our top 26 tips for the Annapurna Circuit trekking in Nepal!

1) Stay hydrated!

This might be the most important thing you do while hiking Annapurna. Your body will dehydrate quicker at such high altitudes, so you’ll need to compensate by drinking more than you think you need. *Suggestion: Get boiled water before bed, place the bottle in your sleeping bag to keep you warm, and drink the cooled water in the morning with breakfast.

Make sure it has good sturdy hip straps and fits like a glove. It’ll save you a lot of pain and complaining! We LOVE the Osprey Aether 60L (lifetime guarantee)

3) Bring good hiking boots and make sure to break them in

Even if it’s just walking around Pokhara for a few days beforehand. Some people get by on trainers/running shoes but I recommend proper hiking boots with a sturdy sole. Also, don’t forget bandaids/plasters in case you get blisters.

4) Wear the right Annapurna clothing!

Clothing choices will depend on the time of year you trek. Avoid cotton, stick to technical clothes. Cotton absorbs sweat, gets heavy, and never dries! We trekked in the middle of May and it was hot during the days and cool at night. Don’t forget a warm hat for nighttime and high elevations.

Typical daytime clothes on the AC

5)Go SOLO!

Meaning: guides and porters are not required as of 2014. Trek with friends though! We went with Keith and Sarah from One Adventure at a Time. Don’t forget a guidebook! However when you hike the Annapurna circuit it’s near impossible to get seriously lost as the trail is well marked.

Update: Since the tragic earthquake that hit Nepal, you are no longer able to trek alone. You will need a guide. However I’ve also heard of some trekking doing the full Annapurna circuit without needing guides/porters. Do you own research when you land in Nepal 🙂

6)Pack light.

Now, pack lighter. You’ll be carrying everything on your back 😉 If your Aanapurna Circuit backpack size is less than 50L you’ll be sitting pretty.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit is a serious endeavor. You need to do be prepared. What if you break your ankle, get altitude sickness, or fall off a cliff and get seriously hurt?! For roughly $50 USD you can be fully covered for an entire month in Nepal. In order words, travel insurance is a no brainer.

We have used World Nomads travel insurance for almost 2 straight years and recommend them to any traveler. They are the most popular amongst the travel community. We’ve had to file two claims and were fully reimbursed for both totaling over $3,800 USD. Shockingly simple process to file the claim.

Couple reasons why we think World Nomads makes the most sense for the Annapurna Circuit:

World Nomads includes helicopter evacuation which could save your life (the AC is very remote, especially at high altitude areas)

They cover up to $500,000 USD in hospital bills for their standard package (you can pay more for increased coverage, but I don’t think you’ll need it)

8) Trekking poles will save your knees.

9) Accommodation costs are variable (controversial)

While on the trek, you will be staying in the famous Annapurna Circuit tea houses. These are essentially just basic guest houses with restaurants attached. Completing the AC is already quite affordable ($25-50/day), during low season you can get your accommodation for free if you make sure to eat all your meals at the teahouse.

This is controversial as most teahouses don’t charge or earn very much (by western standards).

If you go this route, negotiate upfront with the guesthouse / teahouse owner. Something like: “If we eat dinner and breakfast here, can we have the room for free?”

10) The quality in guesthouses ranges

The earlier you arrive at your final destination of the day, the more options you have. So start your days early and spend a few minutes shopping around before committing.

One of the most rewarding parts of our trekking Annapurna Circuit experience was the quality time we spent with our hiking mates at the tea house. Downtime playing cards and waiting for our food was a bonding experience I’ll never forget.

Above average teahouse

11) Diamox (acetazolamide) is your friend

Start taking this medication at 3,000m above sea level to help prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Stock up in Pokhara or Kathmandu before you start the trek. Also, before putting any chemical in your body – do your own research!

12) Altitude Sickness (AMS) is no joke

I don’t care how many triathlons you did last year, Annapurna Circuit fitness has little to do with your endurance. Altitude sickness can affect anyone.

The highest altitude you will reach is 5,416m at Thorong La pass. As soon as you get to around 3,500m, stay put and acclimatize for 2 nights minimum. Most people do this in Manang. As a general rule, once you are above 3,000m/10,000 feet, do not increase the altitude at which you sleep by more than 300-500m per night. If you start to feel AMS symptoms, take immediate action – people die from this every year.

Thorong La Pass

13) It’s a marathon, not a sprint

Go slow, take breaks, and don’t compare your pace to others. Acclimating to the low levels of oxygen takes time, so listen to your body!

14) Start early

Avoid heat, rain and cloudy views. PLUS, you’ll get a good room which is huge during high season.

Many people talk about being unable to charge your camera battery, or that the trek is too strenuous for the extra weight. Charging is available nearly everywhere (although sometimes comes with a small price), and you do NOT want to miss capturing these memories. You probably packed too many shirts and pants, take one of those out.

stupas on the AC trail

16) Pack some snacks from Pokhara/Kathmandu.

You will save money and there isn’t much variety on the trail. Snickers bars cost $2-4 USD on the trail. You’ll need little pick-me-ups every now and then throughout the trek! In addition, bringing your own tea bags/instant coffee to help your budget. 🙂

17) Bring a deck of cards!

You’ll have tons of downtime at the teahouses to relax and rest before the next days trek. Cards, tablets, a notebook and books are just a few ideas to keep you entertained. Here’s the inside of an average Annapurna tea house…

Typical evening in the teahouse

18) Don’t forget wet wipes!

TP is available everywhere for purchase. Wet wipes are convenient shower replacements!

19)Don’t underestimate the power of the sun!

Protect yourself from sun and wind by bringing plenty of sunscreen, Chapstick, a wide-brimmed hat and a bandana. At that elevation, you are more exposed to strong UVA/UVB rays.

20) Bring more than enough cash!

There aren’t any ATM’s on the trek until you are over the pass and in Jomson. Plan for between $15-20 USD per day minimum.

21) Don’t drink too much (alcohol)

It’s expensive, dehydrates you, and increases your chance for AMS symptoms. Trekking is hard enough without adding a hangover to the mix.

22) Dal Bhat Power.

This popular Nepalese dish is served everywhere and it’s what all the porters and guides eat. It’s by far the best value for food on the menu AND it’s all you can eat! Dal Bhat is essentially a big plate of rice with a couple sides including dal, potatoes, and usually some sort of veggie.

23) Food takes between 45-75 minutes to prepare.

Remember those Snickers bars you bought? Eat one to subside hunger. And those cards?? Play a few hands…

24)Take a rest day aroundManang

Manang sits at approximately 11,500 feet above sea level. Most people spend 2 nights in Manang as their body acclimatizes. Use this time for rest by only doing a quick day hike. Manang also has “movie theaters” to entertain you, with popcorn and tea included! Plenty of shops and a clinic as well that hosts free lectures on recognizing the various altitude illnesses.

About the Author

Anne is a passionate yogi who loves to be active outdoors. When she’s not traveling to destinations near the equator to practice yoga and eat tropical fruit, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up nourishing meals with her partner, Brandon. A music junkie at heart, she is currently spinning: Tor, Hiatus, Friend. and Giyo.

3 Responses

Interesting debate on whether technology high up in the mountains of Nepal is good or bad. Stems from the experience when I was hiking the Annapurna circuit in Nepal. I was stuck in the middle of the devastating Earthquake!

People scoff at the use of phones and tablets up in the mountains — “You’re there to get away from all that, not bury your face in your screens”, they say. I tend to agree with them but in times of crises the importance of access to tech could be the difference between life and death. And of course it’s brilliant for the locals and the tourists. Also, there is a cost of getting the cables for Wi-Fi up there on the trail. What is your opinion on this matter?Ankit recently posted…Off the Beaten Palette: Adventurous Food in SE Asia

Thanks for your comment and thoughts… I would say I agree with you in that it’s important to stay disconnected to be able to fully soak in the experience, but having access to a connection is crucial in states of emergency… as in the recent earthquakes! I can’t believe you were a part of that – how frightening for you and all involved!

I trekked the Everest region a few years ago and I am about to do the circuit with my girlfriend. I have to just voice that it saddens me to read over and over again on travel blogs, “get a free room, all you have to do is haggle!” The people of Nepal are warm, friendly and thoughtful but they are also poor. Talking them down what amounts to $1-5 US is lame in my book, that money adds up and in most cases a dollar is nothing to give up for a westerner on holiday but could really help out the family running the Tea house. Just food for thought.